centrotherm photovoltaic's order book approaches EUR 1 billion: first major order with new vent gas recovery system

Blaubeuren, 28.07.2008

Order encompasses total solar silicon package

Vent gas recovery extends value-creation chain

Revenue recognition mostly in 2009 und 2010

Order book rises to EUR 978 million

centrotherm photovoltaics AG has registered a further success on its path to the fully integrated factory: a Ukrainian customer has ordered a large number of reactors and converters for the production of around 2,500 tons of polysilicon. The company is also supplying engineering services to create the silicon factory, and, for the first time, the new vent gas recovery system. Vent gas recovery is a chemical process in which the gas mixture arising from silicon production is separated into its individual components before being reintroduced into the production process. This gas recovery allows a significant reduction in energy costs that simultaneously makes an important contribution to environmental protection.

The plants will be used to create a polysilicon factory in the southeast of the Ukraine. The delivery of the equipment is planned for autumn 2009. This means the order will have an impact on sales and earnings in 2009 and 2010.

This order raises the total order book position to around EUR 978 million.

"Our customers are relying on technological expertise from Blaubeuren, and are increasingly demanding fully integrated solutions for the production of solar cells and solar silicon. When making such purchasing decisions, they are specifically targeting companies that address extensive sections of the value-creation chain," explained Robert Hartung, CEO of centrotherm photovoltaics AG, who went on to comment: "Our new vent gas recovery system allows us to integrate a further step in the value-creation chain. The rapid growth of our order book position reflects the fact that we are consistently pursuing the course we have opted for, and that our strategy is succeeding."

centrotherm photovoltaics' order book continues to experience dynamic growth. The silicon area, in particular, has performed spectacularly, and is being expanded further. Around 44% of the total order book currently derives from the company's business with plant and engineering services for polysilicon production.

About centrotherm photovoltaics AG

centrotherm photovoltaics AG, which is based at Blaubeuren, is one of the world's leading technology and service-providers for the manufacturing of solar cells and solar silicon. The broad product spectrum comprises key equipment and turnkey production lines for crystalline and thin-film solar cells. The product range is supplemented by reactors and converters for the manufacturing of solar silicon. centrotherm photovoltaics guarantees its customers important performance parameters such as production capacity, degree of efficacy, and completion deadlines for turnkey lines. The centrotherm photovoltaics Group currently employs 330 staff members at its locations in Blaubeuren, Burghausen, Constance, and Dresden, and operates globally in Europe, Asia, and the USA. The company achieved revenue in the financial year 2007 of EUR 166.2 million, EBIT of EUR 21.1 million, and is listed in the TecDax of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.